. >>> pope benedict met italy's leader five days before he steps down. there is speculation about whether an american cardinal could replace him as pope. anne thompson has more from vatican city. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, erica. all kind of chatter at the vatican where pope benedict is back on the job after his week-long lenten retreat. he appointed new bishops italy and mexico as people here at the vatican are getting ready for what are expected to be huge crowds for its final two events. meanwhile ther meanwhile, there are many questions about this momentous occasion, like who will lead the church, that are still unanswered. a week before pope benedict retires and still no clear front-runner to succeed him. however, there is a long shot. new york's gregarious cardinal timothy dolan. >> i'll do anything to get you guys to church. >> reporter: praise in catholic circles for his efforts to revitalize the church and fighting obama administration con ra sepgs coverage mandate. this week he was depossessed about how he dealt with abusive pries